resveratrol

Also known as trans-resveratrol or res; a compound in red wine that may explain in part the French paradox of low rates of heart disease and a high-fat diet. Resveratrol is found in red grapes, and is highly concentrated in muscadine grapes.

There have been some studies that suggest that red wines reduce cholesterol. A recent study at UNC shows that resveratrol also turns off a protein that promotes cancer cell growth.

CNN has an article at the following address (as of July 4, 2000): http://www.cnn.com/2000/HEALTH/diet.fitness/07/03/french.paradox/index.html.